The Ice Phoenix struggled with all its might, but the Wood Dragon only tightened its grip. Affected by the sensory feedback of the skill, Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu couldn't help but feel a suffocating pressure.
"We've lost."
A sigh escaped Shui Bing'er's lips, and as if hearing her voice, the light pillar on the arena slowly dissipated.
The Ice Phoenix, entangled by the dragon, seemed to sense its master's helplessness. With a mournful cry, it transformed into a mist of ice that drifted into the sky.
Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu, their faces pale, watched as the vines slowly returned to the earth, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
Before this match, they had considered the possibility of defeat, but that was based on Li Xun dodging or enduring their attacks. They had never imagined that he would directly and overwhelmingly suppress their Martial Soul Fusion Skill.
"Well fought," Li Xun clasped his hands and smiled at Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu. Now that the match was over, he didn't need to hold back anymore.
"Isn't it a bit late to act like a gentleman now?" Shui Bing'er pursed her dry lips.
Li Xun looked at them with genuine sincerity. "I was just being respectful earlier, so I took it seriously."
Hearing this explanation, Shui Bing'er was momentarily stunned, then slowly broke into a smile. "Alright then, I'll forgive you."
Xue Wu, standing beside her, also softened her gaze upon hearing this. "You're strong, but we won't give up just because of this loss. I look forward to competing with you again."
"You're too kind. I also look forward to exchanging insights with you in the future. After all, whether it's your Martial Souls or your Martial Soul Fusion Skill, the talent you've shown holds great potential."
Li Xun chuckled lightly. "At your current level, after this Soul Master Competition, you'll likely be facing graduation. I hope you'll consider the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School when making your choices."
Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu's eyes flashed with surprise. They hadn't expected Li Xun to invite them to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. They exchanged a glance, and though it wasn't strong, they could sense a hint of interest in each other's eyes.
In truth, with their talents and being in a non-official academy, many factions and families had already extended olive branches to them. After all, the Soul Master Competition was essentially a selection process for elite Soul Masters by the Spirit Hall and the two great empires.
Even their academy had expressed interest in having them stay as instructors. But due to their studies and future considerations, they hadn't made a decision yet.
This was a common dilemma for many students on the continent who were about to graduate.
"Can we go back and discuss it?" Shui Bing'er thought for a moment, then asked the question on her mind. "But I'd like to ask first, what kind of treatment can the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School offer us?"
"Naturally, the treatment of top core disciples," Li Xun's eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity. "You're currently a level 40 Soul Honour, and there's still much room for growth. One of the benefits is helping you increase the lifespan of your Spirit Rings."
"Have you heard of Whale Glue? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can provide you with as much as you need, up to the limit."
Over the years, through acquisitions and arrangements, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had not only amassed a large stock of Whale Glue but also established numerous acquisition points in coastal cities.
Nowadays, the additional benefits of whale glue beyond its aphrodisiac properties have already spread far and wide, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has become the largest supplier of whale glue.
"Reach the upper limit?" Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu were taken aback. Of course, they had heard of such things. However, as something that could enhance potential, whale glue was sold at an exorbitant price, far beyond what an ordinary family could afford.
Although their current level had reached the fortieth rank, they still needed something that could fundamentally improve their potential.
After all, the strong remain strong. If they could absorb spirit rings with an upper limit one or two thousand years higher than their peers at this stage, they would continue to lead in the next stage, gradually widening the gap.
"I won't mention the salary and other benefits of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School," Li Xun smiled and nodded. "For geniuses like you, I can promise that before you reach the ninetieth rank, I will provide each of you with a ten-thousand-year soul bone."
Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu exchanged glances, both sensing the shock in each other's eyes. They had never heard of any force on the continent that would offer ten-thousand-year soul bones as benefits. Was the wealthiest sect on the continent really this extravagant?
After a moment of silence, Shui Bing'er spoke with some difficulty, "Li Xun, the benefits you mentioned are truly astonishing, but I can't rashly agree. Could you give us some time?"
"Of course, after all, this concerns your future path. It's only natural to consider it carefully," Li Xun nodded, showing no sign of urgency.
"Thank you," Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu smiled at Li Xun and slowly walked off the stage.
"Brother, I saw you all laughing so happily earlier. What were you talking about?" Amidst the wave of cheers, Ning Rongrong quickly ran to Li Xun's side, looking at him with suspicious eyes.
"Nothing much, I just wanted to invite them to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School," Li Xun, seeing this look, smiled and reached out to ruffle Ning Rongrong's head.
"..." This answer really left Ning Rongrong speechless.
After leaving the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena and returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's headquarters, Li Xun heard that Yu Yuanzhen, the sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant School, had come to visit.
Li Xun was not surprised by this, as his feud with Yu Tianheng had been going on for many years. Now that Yu Tianheng was missing, it was only natural that he would be a suspect.
"Xiao Xun, you're back from the match. How did it go?" Ning Fengzhi smiled upon seeing Li Xun.
"The Tianshui Academy is very strong, but we managed to win by luck," Li Xun greeted everyone in the reception hall briefly and then found a corner to sit and listen.
Yu Yuanzhen's eyes flickered when he saw Li Xun, and then he sighed, "It's hard to believe that in just a few years, the child who was once so small has grown to such an extent. Sect Master Ning, you are truly blessed!"
"The twin stars of your sect are equally impressive, Sect Master Yu. There's no need to envy me," Ning Fengzhi chuckled, his words modest but his face showing a pride that didn't match.
"Ah! What twin stars! Now, I'm afraid only one star remains shining in my Blue Lightning Tyrant School," Yu Yuanzhen's face showed bitterness as he sighed repeatedly.
"Oh? Has something happened?" Ning Fengzhi was startled, his brow furrowing slightly as he asked cautiously.
Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Poison Douluo all turned their curious gazes upon hearing this.
Yu Yuanzhen glanced around, taking in the reactions of everyone present, but he didn't notice anything unusual. His sigh grew heavier: "Tianheng has gone missing. I've searched all over Heavenly Dou City these past few days, but there's been no trace of him."
"What! Yu Tianheng is missing?"
Upon hearing this, the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were all stunned, and even Li Xun furrowed his brows deeply.
The atmosphere grew slightly tense. After a moment of silence, Ning Fengzhi frowned and looked at Yu Yuanzhen: "Sect Leader Yu, are you suspecting that Yu Tianheng's disappearance is related to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"